Wood Engraving, "Canal Locks at Manayunk-from a Drawing by Breton," circa 1835
THF203770 / Wood Engraving, "Canal Locks at Manayunk-from a Drawing by Breton," circa 1835 / detail
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Artifact Overview
The locks at Manayunk are a part of the Schuylkill Navigation, a system of interconnected man-made canals and slack-water pools in the Schuylkill River in southeastern Pennsylvania. Opened in 1825, this navigation system improved the transportation of anthracite coal from the coal-mining districts of Pennsylvania to the ports of Philadelphia, and subsequently to New York City and the world.
Artifact Details
Artifact
Print (Visual work)
Subject Date
circa 1835
Creator Notes
Engraving by Sir John Gilbert after a sketch by William L. Breton.
Collection Title
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
82.129.205
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Paper (Fiber product)
Cardboard
Technique
Wood engraving (Process)
Color
Black-and-white (Colors)
Dimensions
Height: 4 in
Width: 5.5 in
Inscriptions
Description beneath: View showing the canal locks at Manayunk, Pennsylvania. Wood engraving by Gilbert after a sketch by the artist Breton. Date: about 1835
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Related Content
SetAmerica's Canal Era
- 34 Artifacts
In the early 19th century, Americans looked to canals for transportation. Artificial waterways carried people and goods over long distances with minimal power, extending water-borne commerce from seaports to inland communities. But canals were expensive to build and maintain, and floods, droughts and freezing weather interfered with operations. Railroads offered a better alternative and brought an end to America's canal era.